Buying the Right Blackout Curtains for Apartment Windows

Finding the perfect set of blackout curtains for your apartment can make a huge difference in creating a comfortable living space. Blackout curtains are designed to block outside light, providing darkness for sleeping and privacy. They also reduce noise and help insulate rooms. With some careful shopping, you can find affordable blackout curtains to transform any apartment.

When looking for blackout curtains for an apartment, consider your needs and options carefully. Take measurements, evaluate features like light and noise blocking, and choose colors and patterns that fit your decor. With good planning, you can install blackout curtains to make your apartment feel cozier.

Benefits of Using Blackout Curtains in Apartments

There are many advantages to using blackout curtains in an apartment setting:

Block Outside Light to Darken Rooms for Sleep

One of the main reasons people install blackout curtains is to darken bedrooms for improved sleep. Outside light can disrupt sleep cycles and make it hard to fall asleep or sleep soundly. Blackout curtains work by using thick, layered fabrics to prevent light from passing through. This allows you to simulate nighttime darkness even on bright sunny days. Having a pitch black room helps regulate melatonin production and maintain healthy sleep rhythms .

Provide Privacy by Preventing People from Seeing Inside

Another benefit of blackout curtains in apartments is added privacy. Standard lightweight curtains usually don't prevent people outside from seeing inside your rooms. Blackout curtains are opaque enough to block views into your apartment from neighboring buildings or walkways outside. This gives you privacy in bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces.

Reduce Noise by Muffling Outside Sounds

The thick fabrics used in many blackout curtains can also block outside noise. This helps insulate rooms from traffic sounds, loud neighbors, construction noise, and other disturbances. Muffling sounds helps create a quiet, peaceful environment for sleeping or relaxing. The noise reduction may be especially valuable if your apartment is near busy roads or other loud areas.

Help Insulate Rooms by Sealing Out Drafts

In addition to blocking light and noise, snugly fitted blackout curtains add insulation. The heavy curtain fabrics act as another layer to prevent cold drafts in winter and hot sun in summer. Blackout curtains help regulate room temperature by sealing gaps around windows. This can lower heating and cooling costs in an apartment.

Make Interior Design/Decorating Easier

Finally, blackout curtains let you easily control the look and feel of a room. Many blackout curtains come in stylish colors and patterns to match your decor . Their opacity allows you to layer lighter drapes over them if desired. Coordinating your window treatments with paint, furnishings, and accents is simpler with blackout curtains as the base.

Factors to Consider When Buying Blackout Curtains for Apartments

To choose suitable blackout curtains for your apartment, keep these important factors in mind while shopping:

Window Sizes and Shapes

Carefully measure the height and width of your windows when looking for blackout curtains. Standard window sizes include 30x64 inches, 36x72 inches and 36x84 inches. But windows in apartments vary, so take exact measurements. Make sure to note any specialty shapes like circular or arched windows. Measuring ensures proper light blocking with well-fitted curtains.

Inside or Outside Mounting

Decide if you want a rod installed inside the window frame or outside above the molding. Inside mounted rods keep curtains closer to the glass for a snugger light seal. Outside mounting creates a decorative header and can make small windows appear larger. This affects how curtains are sized and hung.

Desired Level of Light Blocking

Consider how opaque you want your blackout curtains to be. Sheer blackout curtains filter some light for dimming. Thick curtains with rubber backing provide 100% blackout effects. Multi-layered curtains with side channels and overlapped fabric maximize darkness. Assess your needs like sleep, movie watching, or UV protection.

Noise Muffling Capabilities

Check the construction of blackout curtain fabrics you're considering. Options like fibersfill insulated linings, triple weaves, and plastic film laminates help absorb sound. Curtains with noise reduction ratings of 20+ decibels muffle many apartment noises effectively.

Budget

Blackout curtains range widely in price from $10 to $100+ per panel based on fabric, quality, size, and features. Measure window dimensions and find economical readymade panels sized closely to save money. Price shop and use sales, coupons and bundled sets for the best value.

Aesthetics and Decor

Select blackout curtains enhancing your overall interior decor. Look for hues and patterns coordinating with your color scheme. Consider solids, stripes, florals, geometrics, or textures. Curtain styles like tab top and grommets also affect appearance. blend function with attractive form.

Features of Quality Blackout Curtains for Apartments

Keep these key features in mind when assessing blackout curtains:

Thick, Layered, or Rubber-Backed Fabric

Fabric density, coatings, and construction determine light blocking. Thicker fabrics prevent more light passing through. Backings like rubber or acrylic block beams. Layered fabrics provide extra darkness. Seek tightly woven, opaque materials.

Side Channels or Weighted Hems

Side channels made of fabric or plastic run the curtain edge length to seal gaps. Weighted hems or chains also prevent light peeking in from curtain sides. This improves blackout performance.

Fitted Construction with Generous Fullness

Precise fit is crucial, so seek curtains designed for your exact rod length with minimum fullness of 100%-120% for ample overlap. Curtains too narrow or short leave openings for light. Ensure full coverage

Height Extending Well Past the Window Frame

Blackout curtains should hang well below windowsills for complete coverage. A good rule is allowing curtains to extend 10 to 12 inches past the window trim for optimal light blocking in apartments.

Sturdy Rods and Durable Hangers/Hooks

Reinforced rods support the weight of layered blackout curtains properly. Corrosion-resistant metal rods and durable hooks that won't pull out facilitate smooth operation. Sturdy hardware prevents sagging or malfunctions.

Attractive Patterns and Colors

While function is key, blackout curtains are available in many gorgeous styles to elevate your decor. Bold solids, soothing neutrals, fun prints and smart textures create design options. Select colors complementing your space.

Installation Tips for Blackout Curtains in Apartments

Follow these tips when installing your new blackout curtains for the best performance:

Measure Windows Carefully for Proper Fit

Use a metal measuring tape to determine precise window dimensions. Include height, width, and any specialty shaping. Refer to manufacturer's sizing charts and allow extra length/width for optimal coverage. Take care with measuring for the best-fitted curtains.

Mount Curtain Rods Securely and at Correct Height

Install curtain rods following included directions to ensure stability. Use wall anchors in drywall or studs for robust support. Mount rods about 6 to 12 inches above the window frame. Allow enough height for the curtains to stack properly when open.

Use Sufficient Overlap for Full Coverage

A standard overlap of 4 to 6 inches is needed between curtain panels for full window coverage. More overlap may be needed for wider windows or doorwalls. Draw curtains completely closed along their full width for maximum light blocking.